Biocontrols Conference Packs Powerful Punch for Fruit Growers

There’s something for every specialty crop grower at this year’s Biocontrols USA West Conference & Expo in Portland, OR  – especially if you’re a fruit grower. Register now to reserve your spot in this first-ever Biocontrols event held in the Pacific Northwest.

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In addition to presentations that will help you correct mistakes you’re likely making in your IPM program, teach you how to incorporate biostimulants in fruit production, and introduce you to the latest biocontrol products, there’s a breakout track dedicated specifically to pressing issues in your orchard or vineyard.

Integrating Biological Control into Management of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Biological control from the samurai wasp, an egg parasitoid may reduce BMSB populations over time, but little is known about the wasp’s behavior and establishment patterns. Since samurai wasp’s original detection in Oregon in 2016, the wasp has been redistributed and monitored across several eco-regions and within caneberry and hazelnut. In this session, attendees will learn about the field conditions for successful samurai wasp colonization and strategies that could improve biocontrol of Brown Marmorated Stink bug in your orchard crops.

David Lowenstein, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Oregon State University

Evaluating Biocontrols for Managing Fire Blight

Fire blight has long been a devastating disorder for apples and pears, both in the more arid Western U.S. and in the wetter growing conditions of the East. Most conventional tree fruit growers opt for antibiotics. But, antibiotic resistance is becoming more of an issue, and the products are no longer allowed at all in organic production. In this session, we take a look at the latest research on biological controls for fire blight from around the country and discuss how effective they can be in your orchard next season.

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Biopesticides in Management of Fruit Pests and Diseases: What Are Your Options, and How Do They Work?

With the rapid rise of biopesticides in crop protection in recent years, growers of both conventional and organic fruits are faced with more options than ever to effectively manage pests and diseases while reducing pesticide residues, preserving beneficial species, and minimizing other risks. Matching the proper biological tool to the crop protection need requires an understanding of some key characteristics of the biopesticide: Is it a live microorganism or a nonliving extract of a microbe or plant? How is it best stored, handled, and applied? And how does it actually protect the crop (the mode of action)? This presentation will answer these and other questions as it highlights some examples of biopesticides used in fruit production.

Michael Dimock, Vice President, Field Development, Certis USA

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